Ronaldo relishing Real move

22 June 2009 09:11

Cristiano Ronaldo is looking forward to plying his trade at Real Madrid as his move from Manchester Utd draws ever closer.

The Portuguese star has undergone medical tests with Madrid ahead of his record-breaking move to the Bernabeu.

Real agreed a £80million fee with United earlier this month for the World Player of the Year and Ronaldo is expected to tie up the move next month.

Ronaldo is relishing the challenge of joining Real and admits he cannot wait to seal the switch to the Spanish giants.

"As I've already said in every interview. Real Madrid is the club in which I've always wanted to play," Ronaldo told Marca.

"It will be good to play with Kaka, a player who was the Ballon d'Or, the best in the world, but also with Raul, (Iker) Casillas and Guti.

"If I'm allowed, now I want to rest, because the negotiations are still not concluded.

"I want to start pre-season well, that's what I really want.

"The truth is that I'm eager to start."

He added: "I still don't have a house in Madrid, but I'll set aside time to look. I also want to learn Spanish, but this is the time to rest, to be with my family, so I can then start strongly and give the best of me.

"I know that the expectations are great but I have to get used to that."

Ronaldo also confirmed he had undergone medical tests over the weekend and that his fitness was fine:

"Everything went perfectly," claimed Ronaldo.

ChallengeThe 24-year-old admits it may take him a while to adapt to life in La Liga after six years in England

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"It will be a little difficult at the start because I was at Manchester United for six years," noted Ronaldo.

"In England, they play a more physical style of football, faster, but that is not an excuse. I only hope that I can adapt as quickly as possible."

"My life is based on challenges. Every year at Manchester United I had that. This is a different season because everything is new and that's why it's a different challenge.

"Winning titles is the challenge. Madrid are used to winning things, the same as Manchester United. I have high hopes and I'm certain that everything will turn out well."

Ronaldo, who admits he does not yet know what shirt number he will wear at Madrid or when he will be officially presented, also had a message to United fans.

He said: "I want to take advantage of the chance to ask the fans and the people of Manchester United to understand my decision. It's going to be a very big challenge for me."